The House of Habsburgs was a powerful monarchy that ruled territories across Europe from 1526 to 1918. Through strategic marriages, the Habsburgs gained control over the Holy Roman Empire, Spain, Austria, parts of Italy, the Netherlands, and other lands. By the early 16th century, their vast empire was in constant conflict with the expanding Ottoman Empire to the east. In 1521, the House of Habsburgs split into junior and senior branches to govern these separate territories.

1. THE HOUSE OF THE
HABSBURGS

2. WHO WERE THEY?
A monarchy located in present-day
Austria that ruled from 1526-1918.
The state was composed of many
territories from the former Holy Roman
Empire.
Until 1806, the head of the Habsburgs
was deemed Holy Roman Emperor.
House split between “junior” and “senior”
branches, each governing different
territories.

4. THE HOUSE OF HABSBURG
Through marriage, Habsburgs
grow to control Germany, Spain,
Austria, the Balkans, Netherlands,
parts of Northern Italy, and
Burgundy.
Rapid expansion brings them in to
constant conflict with the Ottoman
Empire on the eastern edge of
their empire.
In 1521, the House splits between
“senior” and “junior” branches –
also known as the Spanish and
Austrian branches.
King Charles
V of Spain.

6. OTTOMAN-HABSBURG WARS
Expansion of Ottomans in to eastern territory
challenges Habsburg rule.
The Siege of Vienna in 1529 pits Suleyman the
Magnificent (remember him?) against King
Ferdinand I of the Habsburgs.
Wars between Ottomans and Habsburgs last
close to 300 years.
Battling continues between Ottomans and
Habsburgs in to the 18th century until the
Habsburgs turn their attention toward the
Spanish War of Succession.

7. Naval Battle of Lipanto, 1571.

8. WAR OF SPANISH SUCCESSION
Triggered by Charles II’s inability to
procreate.
As the final king of the Habsburgs
in Spain without a successor, pitting
French king Louis XIV against the
Habsburgs.
Ultimately results in partition of
Spain in to areas controlled by rival
factions, removal of the Habsburgs
from the Spanish throne.
But why didn’t Charles II have an
heir?
Louis
XIV